Small Pet Animal Care: A Guide to Keeping Rabbits, Guinea Pigs & Hamsters Happy

Small pets like rabbits, guinea pigs, and hamsters make wonderful companions, but they need proper care to stay happy and healthy. Whether you're a first-time owner or looking to improve your pet's well-being, this guide will help you provide the best care for your furry friend.

🐰 Rabbit Care: Hoppy & Healthy

1. Housing & Space

• Rabbits need spacious enclosures (at least 6ft x 2ft x 2ft) with room to stretch and hop.
• Provide a safe indoor or outdoor hutch with a secure run.
• Use soft bedding like hay or straw (avoid wood shavings, as they can cause respiratory issues).

2. Diet & Nutrition

• 80% hay (Timothy, meadow, or orchard hay).
• Fresh veggies: Carrots (in moderation), leafy greens, and herbs.
• Pellets (a small portion daily for extra nutrients).
• Fresh water always available in a bowl or bottle.

3. Exercise & Playtime

• Rabbits love to run and jump, so provide daily free-roaming time.
• Offer toys like tunnels, cardboard boxes, and chew sticks to keep them entertained.

4. Grooming & Health

• Brush long-haired rabbits weekly to prevent matting.
• Trim nails regularly.
• Check for signs of illness like runny nose, overgrown teeth, or lethargy.

🐹 Guinea Pig Care: Social & Sweet

1. Housing & Companionship

• Guinea pigs need large cages (at least 7.5 sq ft per pig) with soft bedding like paper-based bedding.
• Always keep at least two guinea pigs together – they’re social animals!

2. Diet & Nutrition

• Fresh hay: Essential for digestion and keeping teeth healthy.
• Daily veggies: Bell peppers, leafy greens, and cucumbers.
• Vitamin C supplements (they can’t produce it themselves).
• Limited pellets and fresh water daily.

3. Play & Stimulation

• Provide hideouts, tunnels, and chew toys.
• Let them explore outside their cage in a safe area.

4. Health & Grooming

• Check teeth & nails to prevent overgrowth.
• Brush long-haired guinea pigs to avoid tangles.
• Watch for weight loss, breathing issues, or changes in behavior.

🐭 Hamster Care: Tiny & Playful

1. Cage & Environment

• A large cage (at least 450 sq. inches of floor space) with deep bedding for burrowing.
• Use paper-based bedding (avoid pine or cedar).

2. Diet & Treats

• Hamster pellets (main diet).
• Fresh veggies & fruits (apples, carrots, cucumber – avoid citrus).
• Occasional nuts & seeds as treats.

3. Exercise & Enrichment

• A solid-surface exercise wheel (not wire) to keep them active.
• Hideouts, tunnels, and chew toys for stimulation.

4. Handling & Health

• Let them get used to your scent before handling.
• Avoid waking them suddenly, as they are nocturnal.
• Check for lumps, fur loss, or changes in activity.

Final Thoughts

Caring for small pets takes dedication, but with the right setup, diet, and attention, your rabbit, guinea pig, or hamster will thrive. Always provide love, patience, and enrichment to keep them happy and healthy.

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